Mansfield Town’s 2011/12 season ultimately ended in heartbreak after a play-off semi-final defeat to York City.
But it was not a wasted season with Stags using that pain, and the foundations laid, to go on and lift the Conference Premier title the following year.
Here we take a look at the squad that got Mansfield ticking once again and find out what happened to them when they departed the One Call Stadium.
Paul Bolland made just 10 appearances for Stags between 2011/13. He left to join Harrogate Town on loan before taking on the role of U19 head coach. In 2015, he became Head of Football at Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate in York. Photo: Jane Hilton
Anthony Howell left Alfreton in June 2011 and went on to help Mansfield win the 2012/13 Conference title. He eventually returned to Alfreton in July 2014. He played in goal for The Reds later that year in an FA Cup match against Lincoln, losing 5-1. Photo: Anne Shelley
Lee Stevenson became a pro footballer for the first time when he joined Mansfield in May 201. He scored 11 goals in 27 games as Stags won the Conference Premier. After leaving Mansfield he had spells with Alfreton, King's Lynn and Stockport before ending his career with Cambridge City. Photo: Anne Shelley
Less than a week after Paul Cox's appointment as manager of Mansfield Town, Meikle followed him to the club. He played a key role in getting Stags back into the Football League. Photo: Anne Shelley